Corporate governance: the Institute of Directors’ best and the worst September 7, 2016 While British American Tobacco’s (BAT) products may be the subject of various health warnings, it has topped a corporate governance health-check by the Institute of Directors (IoD). Supermarket giant Tesco, meanwhile, brings up the rear in a new governance ranking of the UK's top 100 companies. BAT performed particularly well in terms of dealing with its shareholders and [...]
Two groups of rival EU protesters are set to clash outside parliament in just over a week August 25, 2016 Rival protesters are set to clash in London early next month when the campaign group March for Europe stages a second anti-Brexit demonstration in Westminster. The group's last protest in July saw thousands of marchers take to the streets in the aftermath of the UK's vote to leave the EU. And now demonstrators will return on [...]
Big City bosses batten down the hatches for Brexit deal drag August 24, 2016 A drawn-out Brexit process would have a dire impact on the UK's investment and growth according to some of the City’s top veterans as they brace themselves for a lengthy divorce from the EU. Sir Martin Sorrell, the chief executive of advertising giant WPP, BT chairman Sir Mike Rake, and private equity guru Jon Moulton [...]
WPP chief and Remain campaigner Martin Sorrell wants second EU vote August 24, 2016 Sir Martin Sorrell, the founder and chief executive of advertising giant WPP, wants the British public to be offered a second vote on EU membership after Brexit terms have been negotiated. Sorrell, who campaigned for Remain in the run-up to the EU referendum, told City A.M.: “I still hold out the hope that sense will [...]
WPP’s share price jumps as company leads FTSE after results – but Sir Martin Sorrell is still worried about Brexit August 24, 2016 The chief executive of the world's largest advertising group is still worried about Brexit despite the company reporting strong results for the first half. The company is leading the FTSE 100 this morning, up more than five per cent to 1,839p per share in early morning trading. WPP reported better-than-expected first half results. The company [...]
Yorkshire Water boss took home a £240,000 bonus this year August 21, 2016 Yorkshire water chief executive Richard Flint took home £1.2m for the year through March, including a £240,000 bonus for meeting targets such as building “strong financial foundations” and a reputation as a trusted company. This was down from the £1.47m he was paid the year before. Ray O'Toole, chairman of the remuneration committee, said in the [...]
Martin Sorrell’s WPP – dubbed the bellwether of the global economy – set to report soaring sales and profits August 21, 2016 Sir Martin Sorrell’s WPP, known as the bellwether of the global economy, is set to report soaring profits and sales in the first half of 2016 this week. City analysts expect the advertising giant to report headline profits before tax and interest of around £755m – up nearly 13 per cent on the first half [...]
The advertising industry isn’t feeling quite so gloomy about Brexit now August 2, 2016 Sir Martin Sorrell’s reaction to the UK’s Brexit vote was: “This is not good news, to say the least.” But the latest forecasts from the advertising industry, including from GroupM, which is part of Sorrell’s WPP, appear more upbeat. In a worst-case scenario, GroupM’s worldwide media and market forecasts report predicts a 4.5 per cent [...]
Branding and buyouts: Brand Union’s Toby Southgate on corporate takeovers, Tesco’s farms and Tesla’s higher purpose August 1, 2016 Perceptions of brands change over time,” says Toby Southgate, worldwide chief executive of Brand Union. “And building them takes a long time. It’s not about the final push over the line.” A consultative arm of WPP, Brand Union specialises in brand strategy, and has shaped the identity of some of the world’s biggest names, including Vodafone, Absolut [...]
City Moves for 25 July 2016 | Who’s switching jobs July 25, 2016 Towergate Insurance Towergate Insurance has appointed Neil Pearce as managing director of Towergate London Market. Neil will join Towergate in September this year and will report directly to group chief executive David Ross. He joins Towergate from RKH Specialty where he was executive director responsible for the UK and international liability team. He was previously [...]